Most drivers do not need a case number to enroll in the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course; you usually need your citation number from your traffic ticket. Enter a case number only if a court assigned one for your citation.
Understanding the difference between a citation number and a case number is important when enrolling in the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) uses these identifiers for different purposes. Knowing which number to enter helps ensure your course completion is reported correctly. This article explains when a case number is needed and how to find the right number on your documents.
When Do You Need a Case Number for the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course?
You only need a case number if your traffic citation resulted in a formal court case or a judge ordered you to complete the course as part of a legal proceeding. Most drivers who receive a standard traffic ticket do not have a case number and should use the citation number printed on the ticket.
What Is the Difference Between a Citation Number and a Case Number?
A citation number is a 7-character code with letters and numbers, such as `ABC123D`, and is always printed on your traffic ticket. A case number is assigned by a court when a formal case is opened and is longer, for example, `2025-TR-012345`. If you have not appeared in court, you likely do not have a case number.
How to Enter Your Case Number or Citation Number
If the enrollment form asks for a case number and you have one, enter it without dashes or spaces—only letters and numbers. For example, enter `2025-TR-012345` as `2025TR012345`. If you only have a citation number, enter the exact 7-character code from your ticket in the citation number field.
Official Guidance from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) regulates the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course. For more details on traffic citations, court cases, and reporting, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Most drivers need a case number | No |
| Citation number format | 7 characters, letters and numbers (e.g., ABC123D) |
| Case number format | Longer, assigned by court (e.g., 2025-TR-012345) |
| How to enter case number | Remove all dashes—numbers and letters only |
| Not sure which you have | The 7-character code is always the citation number |
Frequently Asked Questions
I only have a traffic ticket. Do I need a case number?
No, you do not need a case number. Enter your citation number from your ticket and leave the case number field blank or as prompted.
What should I do if I entered my case number incorrectly?
Contact Driving Logic for help correcting the case number before your course completion is reported to the FLHSMV.
How do I know if I need a case number for the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course?
If you have not appeared in court and only received a traffic ticket, you do not have a case number. The 7-character code on your ticket is your citation number.
What if my attorney gave me both a case number and a citation number?
Enter the 7-character citation number in the citation field and the longer case number in the case number field, removing all dashes from the case number.
Can I enroll in the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course without a case number?
Yes, most drivers enroll using only the citation number. A case number is only needed if a court assigned one for your citation.